A truck accident can occur anywhere and at any time of day, but statistics show that the afternoon poses the biggest threat to vehicle operators.
Continue reading to learn more about the trends that plague U.S. motorways and what you can do to stay safe on the road.
When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?
It would stand to reason that most truck accidents would happen during times with low visibility, such as nighttime, or during heavy traffic; however, the opposite is true. According to 2019 data from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most of these collisions occur between the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m. Consequently, this resulted in 718 deaths. The least hazardous time to drive lands between midnight and 3:00 a.m., which resulted in 8 percent of all truck-related deaths.
Truck Accident Trends
Despite state and federal government efforts, the frequency of truck accidents continues to increase. In 2019, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher than it had been a decade prior. The total number of deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents was 4,119.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The time of day is a valid consideration when it comes to trucking accidents, but there are many other causes, including:
- Driver error
- Distracted driving
- Inexperience
- Fatigue
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
Tips for Avoiding a Truck Accident
Whether you are operating a small automobile or a high-occupancy vehicle, understanding how to keep yourself safe on the road is paramount. The following are tips that all vehicle operators should follow to avoid the probability of a truck accident:
- Pay attention to the road at all times. Avoid distractions such as eating, using a cell phone, or fidgeting with a navigation system.
- Keep a safe distance when driving near trucks. These heavy vehicles need more time to slow down and stop, so avoid tailgating. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, you are following too closely.
- In addition to keeping a safe distance, you should also avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots.
- When changing lanes in front of a truck, use clear signals and allow plenty of room. If possible, you should not change lanes in front of a truck when going uphill or downhill.
- Watch for flying debris as you travel near a truck. If you maintain a safe distance, you will have a better chance of safely evading airborne objects. Adequate spacing will also pay off in the event of a blown-out tire or high winds.
Receive Help After a Truck Accident with Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, the attorneys at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks are here to help. Our team has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after traffic collisions and would love to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
We have offices in South Jordan and Provo, Utah. Connect with us to receive your free case evaluation today.